Customer Reviews

Creative Screen Protector for Zen (Clear)

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(13)

 

 

As other reviewers have stated before, the ZEN screen protector is essential and should have come with the unit as standard equipment. If you choose not to lay out the asking price for this little "accessory", you will most likely end up with a scratched display screen in the near future.

Understanding how this item is constructed is necessary to a greater degree that I initially realized. Again, listen to the previous reviewers that discovered this and you should have little to no problems.

First: This small piece of plastic is made up of 3-layers!

layer 2 (tab) -----------------------
screen protector ***************
layer 1 (tab) -----------------------

Second: Remove the (bottom) side 1 protective layer first. Then align the protector and press in place on the ZEN screen. I did not see any issues with air bubbles or debris causing problems.

Third: After the protector is in place, remove the (top) side 2 protective layer. Careful here, though -- the layer 2 tab wants to come off itself instead of actually pulling off the second protective layer. This is where a previous reviewer encountered a gummy mess (as did I). The adhesive mess is on top of the screen protector layer 2 protective sheet! Instead of messing with this tab, just use a fingernail or other thin object to gently pry the second protective layer off safely. This will leave only the center sheet which is the actual screen protector.

Take your time when applying this screen protector on your ZEN player and you should not encounter any issues.

This "accessory" should have been installed at the factory with the option of buying more.

Here is a tip I learned years ago for applying these types of plastic screens, it also works for decals on windows.
In clean lukewarm water mix a drop of soft-soap until it is fully dissolved. The water should feel only ever so slightly soapy. If it creates soap bubbles when you steer it, then there is too much soap in it. Apply light amount of soap/water mixture to surface of MP3 player, cover up the controls to avoid getting in to the buttons. Now place the plastic protector screen starting at the end near the controls and "roll" it onto the surface using a lint free cloth or soft plastic edge to rub the film on to the surface. The soapy water will allow any air bubbles to be squeezed out. The small amount of water will soon evaporate. In many cases you will even be able to align the entire plastic protector in case it was placed a little bit crooked. Hope it works for you.

I found the ZEN screen protector a useful accessory. A steady hand and a good eye are needed during the application. Clean the face of the ZEN before you start. Best to mount the protector on the unit with a rolling motion; more air bubbles are trapped if you try to put it down flat. However, it is possible to work air bubbles out. I am quite satisfied with this purchase

Apply in as close to dust free environment as you can. Also, make sure you remove the adhesive side using tab #1 first. Apply that side to your zen screen. Then remove the other layer using tab #2. Do not just remove the tab #2 sticker (like I did at first) - it is actually attached to an outside layer of film connected to the main protective layer. If you just remove the sticker there will be adhesive left in it's place. It took me a couple tries before I understood that there were 2 outside layers & a middle (main) layer to these.

I got two ZENs (one for my wife) so I was glad to see these came in a three pack. The protector is crystal clear so once you have it on you don't know it's there unless you look real closely at the edge of the screen.

They are not intuitive to install, be careful and do it in a very brightly lit area that is dust free. I'd recommend doing it on a sheet of white paper to help you see what you're doing. I messed up the first one, the second one was almost perfect, just slightly crooked because I didn't have enough light, and the third one (on my wife's birthday gift) worked perfectly.

I found the plastic envelope the protector comes in makes a perfect temporary case. I folded it over lengthwise and put a piece of tape on the back, leaving the opening on the side where all the controls are. The little pocket it makes on the back is a perfect size to store a paper clip.

Take your time and put the protector on carefully in good light and you'll be glad you got it. I don't worry about the screen getting scratched now (the buttons have gotten scratched from cleaning the thing so often). Only negative is the outrageous price which is much worse if you pay shipping too.

IMHO - these should have been included with the unit.

Works great. Take care to place these on a perfectly clean screen and apply the cover from one side to the other - not all at once flat down.

After reading all the mixed reviews about this product, I was nervous about ordering them, but Im really glad I did. Putting this on the screen has to be the easiest thing ever. Simply follow the instructions on the tabs, take your time lining it up to the edge and carefully apply it to the screen; one side to the other. If you get air bubbles while applying, simply pull it up as soon as you see them and start applying again. Use your finger to push down as you apply to keep the air bubbles from getting trapped. Once you have the film on the unit, you then grab the second tab and pull up gently. When you do, you cant tell the film is on there, its that clear!

I highly recommend getting these if you care about the screen staying clean and scratch free. I also bought the leather case which is great to keep the rest of the unit safe. But the screen protectors are a must have!

I ordered these screen protectors because I knew that my Zen's screen was very vulnerable to scratches just from everyday use. This package seemed to have a nice value since there was 3 in 1 package. This way, both my sister and I could protect each of our screens. The screen protectors come in a very small package containing three screen protectors inside. Each screen protector is then individually packaged in a small plastic bag.

As far as screen protectors go, these were pretty standard. However, definitely be careful when applying. I made a mistake while applying the first screen protector on my Zen and I ended up wasting a screen protector. With that mistake in mind, I was able to apply the other two screen protectors for my Zen and my sister's Zen without any problems. When applying on to the screen, make sure that the screen itself is clean. It would help if you did it in an area with little to no dust. Also, make sure you apply from one end to another in a sliding motion. I used a credit card to help me keep the screen protector flat on the screen as I flattened it across. If you don't apply from one side to another, you run a higher risk of getting air bubbles and other gunk trapped between the screen and the screen protector.

Overall I am fairly satisfied with this product. They fit in perfectly with my player. I don't even notice it unless I specifically try to look for it, and even then it's still quite unnoticeable. With careful application, these screen protectors will do a great job at keeping your screen undamaged. The 3-in-1 skin pack and combined with these screen protectors is definitely a great way to keep my Zen safe. Personally though, I think the skins and screen protectors should have come with the player by default.

The package includes three screen protectors. I installed one within a minute with no issues with layers sticking, tabs pulling off, or anything else. Just follow the instructions, 1-2-3.

Goatswood accurately describes how to place these protectors on your Zen. I followed them exactly and it worked fine. Creative should have done a better job and included such detailed directions.